Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP)

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FAQ

What is transitional housing?

Transitional housing is temporary housing for an individual or family who is homeless or facing imminent homelessness.

What is affordable housing?

A rental or owned unit is considered affordable if it costs no more than 30% of the household income. For renters that include rent & utilities; for owners that includes mortgage, taxes, insurance, and condominium fees where applicable.

What is the HIP model?

• A focus on very low and low-income working individuals and families in our community.
• Subsidized housing is provided for an intermediate length of time (i.e. 12-24 months).
• Housing is coupled with supportive services (i.e. case manager, budgeting, skills upgrade, etc).
• Assists in locating permanent affordable housing, and will help with the first month’s rent and security deposit if needed.

Who are HIP clients?

• Low income workers who help to make our community function, (e.g., retail, restaurant, office, health care & educational support workers).
• Low wage workers who desire to live near their employment, good schools, and to set roots in the community.
• Typical profile: Divorced mother with minor children. Household income $15,000-$37,000.
• Referrals are received from clergy, social services agencies, school administrators, employers, Dept. of Human Services, Princeton Community Housing.

What does it take financially to live in New Jersey, Mercer County, and Trenton-Ewing area?

• Click here to be informed.

How difficult is it for HIP clients to afford to live in Princeton or surrounding towns where they work and/or children attend school?

• It costs considerably more, particularly for housing to live in Princeton or its neighboring towns. HIP’s typical client family who are employed earns less than $40,000 annually. When a life event such as a divorce, illness, or job loss cause them to fall behind in their rent these workers (without a safety net) find it impossible to meet the costs of housing, food, medication, school supplies, transportation and other life necessities.

Where do families go after HIP?

• Eight families, including seventeen children have lived in HIP homes since 2004. Six adult women (in recovery) were housed from 2008-2011.
• One family became a homeowner utilizing an employee assistance program from her employer, and by implementing recommendations on budgeting from a HIP.
• All families and individuals transitioned to permanent housing with the assistance of HIP.
• The children thrived in Princeton and West Windsor-Plainsboro’s public and private schools and continued to succeed after graduating from the HIP program. Two have enrolled in Princeton University; one has received a BA there. One has enrolled in North Carolina A&T, One has enrolled in Widener University.

What is the outlook for the future?

Transitional housing bridges a critical gap between homelessness and affordable housing. However, it is a respite only. Long term solutions must include an increase in the number of affordable and low-income housing units, and low wage workers must be paid a "living wage".